Optical one-dimensional waveguides in oxyfluoride glass fabricated by Helium Ion implantation

In this work, a one-dimensional waveguide is formed by virtue of the helium ion implantation in the oxyfluoride glass (OFG). The energy and the fluence of the ion implantation are 0.4 MeV and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], respectively. The m-line curve with the effective refractive indices of the modes was recorded by using the prism coupling system. The energy loss distribution and the refractive index profile were calculated by the stopping and range of ions into matter (SRIM)-2013 and the RCM, respectively. The light modal profile was measured by the end-facet coupling system. It suggests that the He[Formula: see text]-ion implanted OFG waveguides have the potential to act as integrated photonic devices.

Crystallization Process and Site-Selective Excitation of Nd3+ in LaF3/NaLaF4 Sol–Gel-Synthesized Transparent Glass-Ceramics

In this study, transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramics (GCs) with NaLaF4 nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by the sol–gel method for the first time. Three different molar ratios of La(CH3COO)3/Na(CH3COO) were used to obtain the GCs, which were sintered at 450, 550 and 650 °C for 1 min. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to follow the evolution of the xerogel during the heat treatments and to study crystal growth for the three temperatures. In all cases, the LaF3 crystalline phase was present, but crystallization of NaLaF4 was only promoted at 650 °C. Thermogravimetric and thermodifferential analysis (TGA-DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the crystallization process. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was employed to confirm NaLaF4 crystallization and determine the size distribution. The incorporation of Nd3+ ion into NaLaF4 and LaF3 nanocrystals was confirmed by site-selective emission and excitation spectra. The Nd3+ emission intensities in both phases depend not only on the NaLaF4/LaF3 ratio but also on their emission efficiencies.